STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, our children represent our greatest hope for the future and their health, protection and safety are a priority for all New Yorkers, however, of continuing concern are the problems of child abuse, neglect and maltreatment which endanger vulnerable young lives and cause long-lasting damage to a child’s physical, emotional and cognitive well-being; and

Whereas, the prevention of child abuse, neglect and maltreatment requires strong partnerships and cooperation among individual citizens, organizations, law enforcement and government agencies at the community, state and federal levels; and

Whereas, a leading cause of abuse-related death among children is head trauma, including a fully preventable form of abusive behavior known as Shaken Baby Syndrome, which occurs when a caregiver loses control and forcefully shakes a baby or young child, possibly resulting in a loss of vision, brain damage, paralysis, seizures, or death; and

Whereas, an informed family is an effective defense against child abuse, making New York’s home visiting programs for families important investments in combating child abuse by strengthening families; and

Whereas, all New Yorkers share a responsibility in preventing child abuse through diligent reporting of suspected cases of child neglect and maltreatment; in order to ensure proper and prompt reporting of suspected child abuse, free online training is now available to mandated reporters throughout New York State, which offers them better access to training; and

Whereas, in recognition of the importance of child welfare caseworkers who daily defend against the abuse, neglect and maltreatment of our state’s most endangered children, 2009 has been proclaimed the year of the child welfare caseworker, caseworkers are being equipped with mobile technology to provide faster field work, and a “Caseworkers Make A Difference” campaign aimed at preventing high turnover among caseworkers will help provide more stability for susceptible children; and

Whereas, New Yorkers should be vigilant and fervent in their efforts to stop child abuse and are asked to call the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment at 1-800-342-3720 to report suspected abuse or neglect, and they are further reminded that the well-being of children is a responsibility we all share, and so, we must strive in every way possible to keep them safe from any type of physical or emotional harm;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim April 2009 as

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State of New York at the Capitol in the City of Albany this second day of April in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor